“Do not fear for I am with you.” – Isaiah 41:10
This is one of the most powerful Bible verses emphasizing the Lord as a source of refuge and strength. Last October 2024, Typhoon Kristine caused widespread damage throughout the Bicol Region, triggering massive floods in its provinces. Houses were destroyed and deserted, electricity was cut and due to the raging wind and rampant rains, flooding began. The aftermath was a complete reminder of communities’ vulnerability to natural disasters, but also a testament to the unwavering spirit of resilience that defines the Bicolanos.
After the destructive attack of Typhoon Kristine, the Canossian Disaster Response Team, together with the Canossian Sisters and several Canossian Volunteers of the Philippines traveled to Bicol for the Relief Operations with the help of Caritas-Caceres Naga Staffs and Rev. Fr. Marcel Emmanuel DP. Real who provided the areas for the relief goods. The affected areas included Tabuco in Naga City and Nabua in Camarines Sur. Through God’s providence, I volunteered to join and be part of the Canossian Disaster Response Team. The Canossian Daughters of Charity, aiming to support our brothers and sisters affected by Typhoon Kristine, led this heartfelt initiative. The situation was devastating. Floods and mud have buried houses, establishments, churches, and some structures up to the ceiling. Some of the roads were impassable, people were gathered inside evacuation centers and some chose to stay at their homes hoping that they could at least save what they can.
What struck me the most during our relief operations in Bicol was the overwhelming sense of profound resilience and quiet strength of the Bicolonos. Watching how the youth of Naga stepped up and took charge of their barangay and parishes amazed me. Like Bal, an exemplary SK Chairman in Naga City, worked alongside his siblings—Joy, a youth leader, and Christian and Maricris, both volunteers, whom we met because of Father Marlon Tebelin, the parish priest of the Holy Cross Parish in Tabuco, Naga City helped us to distribute the relief goods. Bal shared that our former Vice President, Atty. Leni Robredo had already visited affected areas in Bicol and provided assistance.
Under the heat of the sun while distributing relief goods to those affected by Typhoon Kristine, you can see their determination to rebuild their lives and the hope in their eyes is truly inspiring. It was both heart-wrenching and awe-inspiring to witness the way the community came together, offering help and comfort to one another. It is a mission of love, hope, compassion, generosity, and kindness. The recovery process, however, is still a long journey, is a reminder that even amidst the challenges and storms we face, like Typhoon Kristine there is always a sense of hope and solace waiting for us. The sight of neighbors helping neighbors, sharing what little they had, was a powerful symbol of the strong bonds that unite the Bicolanos. Just like the sunset, even as it marks the end of the day, it also signifies a promise of new beginnings.
Niña Angelica A. Magayam
